If you’re looking to pick up some affordable items from history, the upcoming Alderfer Auction for stamps is worth checking out.
The auction starts closing on February 24, with lots ticking down at around 7 pm ET.
According to Alderfer Auction, the catalog is focused on classic U.S. stamps, including numerous high-level collectibles, like #1s, the U.S. #2, and other early stamp standouts like #17, and a Trans-Mississippi pick.
Whether you’re a stamp collector, a fan of miniature art, or just looking to hold a bit of history, it’s worth checking out.
Alderfer loads the lineup
Stamp collecting has changed a lot in my lifetime. When I was a child, it was common to find huge binders filled with stamps in family attics. Today, the market is focused on quality and rarity.
In the Alderfer Auction, there are a number of high-value stamps. For example, on offer is a set of Columbians (#241–#245). These stamps are cornerstone items for any stamp collector.
Alderfer also highlights a Trans-Mississippi #293 (with #292 alongside it) and airmail favorites, including the full U.S. Zeppelin run (C13–C15).
Expect some of the prices to hit the high hundreds, but there is a lot of U.S. history on offer within the sale, with many prices expected to be sub-$100.
Is stamp collecting still a thing?
For those concerned about whether stamp collecting (philately) is still a valid hobby or investment path, information from Oldlouis Auctions shows how active the auction side still is. For instance, their Feb. 17–20, 2026, results page lists 2,436 lots sold, with a total of 19,333 bids.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the world still had roughly 60 million stamp collectors, and that China represented a major share of that base. Linn’s Stamp News has also reported on how Chinese investment demand can ripple through parts of the market.
What collectors look for
Centennial Auctions states that collectors typically pay big money for:
- Sharp centering
- Clean perforations
- Original gum on unused stamps
- Bright color
- No thins, tears, creases, or stains
- Verified errors.
On top of the above, scarcity matters, along with provenance and certification. This is especially true when spending big money.
The Alderfer Auction also leans into specialty areas like Hawaii, Western postal history, and Civil War-era covers. This is likely where history buffs will find the most interesting stories, and potentially the biggest battle to win the item at auction.